If you've ever watched a video of Rodney Mullen freestyling on his skateboard then you've probably been pretty amazed. Mullen invented many of the tricks that you see him perform, included the ollie, kickflip, heelflip, impossible, and 360-flip.

I know I'm not alone in saying I wanted to be like Rodney. I tried in vain (when I used to actually skateboard) to try to do any of his tricks. Obviously I failed. However, one from Japan practiced and practiced until he was (arguably) better than Rodney himself. This kid's name is Isamu Yamamoto. He is only 12 years old, been skating for 4. I'm pretty sure we are seeing on of the future stars of skateboarding, even if freestyle doesn't come back. I am sure Isamu could adapt his raw talent into any style of skating and be successful.